As we get closer to the start of the 2025 NWSL season, Angel City FC continue to rework a roster that finished 12th last season. Today, the club continued that rework as they announced a deal that sends forward Messiah Bright to Houston Dash. In exchange, ACFC will receive up to $150,000 in intra-league transfer funds with a guaranteed $100,000.
đź“° #AngelCityFC has traded forward Messiah Bright to the Houston Dash. In exchange, ACFC will receive up to $150,000 in intra-league transfer funds with a guaranteed $100,000.
Full details: angelcity.com/acfc-post/an…— Angel City FC (@angelcity.com) January 27, 2025 at 7:33 AM
“I’m so honored for this time spent here in LA and I’m even more grateful to the entire organization for helping me with this move to be closer to home,” said Bright in a statement. “As I move on, I feel deep gratitude for the incredible community here and the personal growth it has sparked in me. A huge thank you to the fans and supporters for your unwavering energy and loud cheers at BMO [Stadium] during our home games—you made every moment special.”
“I’m also beyond appreciative of the staff and front office for their constant support, both on and off the field, helping me evolve in my career,” Bright continued. “Finally, a massive shoutout to my teammates for pushing me every day, helping me become the best version of myself. We showed up every day with one goal: to push past every limit and reach new heights together.”
“We are happy to have been able to work with Messiah and Houston to complete the trade for her to play in her home state,” said ACFC Sporting Director Mark Parsons in a statement. “Messiah is a young player with a bright future and we appreciate her contributions to our third season in the NWSL. We wish her the best in Houston and in the future.”
Bright, who joined ACFC in January 2024 via a trade with Orlando Pride, tallied 946 minutes and one goal in 25 NWSL match appearances in all competitions with the club. During an international friendly match against Liga MX Femenil club FC Juarez, Bright scored her first hat trick of her professional career, and the first in ACFC history. Selected No. 21 overall by Orlando in the 2023 NWSL Draft, Bright was named a finalist for NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2023 and led all NWSL rookies with seven goals in all competitions. In August 2023, she became the first player in NWSL history to earn both Player and Rookie of the Month honors in the same month after scoring three goals in four matches, including her first career brace against North Carolina Courage.
While many won’t be happy, the move shouldn’t come as a surprise. Bright struggled to see consistent playing time throughout last season, despite coming off a phenomenal rookie season with the Pride. Several times it was suggested she could be on the move, and today, it becomes official. Despite her lack of playing time, her ability was clear to those who watched, and perhaps this move will give her the chance to showcase those abilities more consistently. Like the club, we wish her all the best in Houston.
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